I need some advice!

(Jooyoung Kim) #1

Hi guys

I started the keto diet about 10 days ago…

It’s really not easy to keep on a diet plan while at office… like when we all go out for lunch together and it’s almost impossible to pick a meal without carbohydrates…

It’s easy to eat carbo-free meals for dinner because I can control my meal plan…

But when I have to have lunch with others it’s almost impossible… How do you guys deal with this type of problem… I don’t want to be seen as someone who is too picky about my lunch menu… Do you guys pack lunch meals to office? Like… what is your favorite choice for lunch meals as a keto dieter while at office?

(Pete A) #2

I pack pretty much everything. When I have to go out for lunch I usually try and encourage a place with meat on the menu. I’m known for that encouraging haha and of course dont always get my way. If I don’t get my way, I order whatever is friendliest, no matter how strange.

Restaurants are usually open to reasonable requests. I know in some meetings there may not be a choice. I do bring packed food into catered meetings in my greasy tupperware. :tired_face:

#3

Are there typical restaurants you go to for lunch? You could visit these places on your own, and see what type of keto friendly options they have, before you’re with a group.

(Adriana) #4

I pack my food every day, when I don’t take food to the office I eat out with my coworkers (most of them eat out everyday), I check the menu before going to see what options I have, if there is nothing I can eat (that is super unusual) I just order mineral water and say I’m not hungry. But most of the time, as @Pete_A said, I try to encourage they pick a place where I have options to choose from. :blush:

I have been doing keto for just six weeks and everyone at my office knows not to get offended if I don’t accept the carbs they offer me, I don’t care if they think I’m picky or “eat weird” (they say that a lot), I’m doing this for me and I feel fine so why would I care? :smile:

(Adriana) #5

Lately I eat a big breakfast at home before going to the office and don’t eat lunch (I don’t feel hungry), and just eat dinner when I get out of the office.

(Beth) #6

Hi. I’ve travelled a lot and been to a lot of restaurants and managed to stay keto. A great rule of thumb is to select a salad, preferably one that has some substance, so that you don’t feel deprived. I’m thinking bacon, avocado and blue cheese. Another option is to order a burger or sandwich without the bun. Once you get used to it, it will become second nature!

Good luck in your journey!

(D) #7

Any specific places that the office eats at? Maybe people can offer what they have done at that establishment, or similar places.

#8

Just order the meat and dark green veg. Tell people you are allergic to carbs lol

(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #9

I don’t eat out but I bought a carb count book for home use and the back has nutrition (carb, fats, protein, etc) on many, many foods at so many restaurants. Might be helpful to have on hand. I’m sure there’s also an app for that.

#10

I generally pack my lunch. Last week and I had an out of town meeting so that meant lunch out with coworkers. I just ordered a burger no bun. They have these pretty much everywhere.

I also navigated a Panda Express catered event by just eating the teriyaki chicken ( no sauce) and steamed veggies. The chicken had something sweet on it but I can’t always be perfect :slight_smile:

(Running from stupidity) #11

OTOH, just tell them you’ve been told to stay off carbs in order to repair your metabolism, gut biome and head off incipient T2D, so you don’t really have a choice.

I mean, I’m telling you, and I play a doctor on the internet, so this is a legit thing to tell them.